Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun, says it will be graduating no fewer than 1,341 undergraduates during its 17th convocation ceremony, with 185 bagging first-class honours.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, disclosed this while addressing a news conference to mark the 17th ceremony and the 20th anniversary of the institution on Monday in Ede.
Akindele also said that 662 graduating students would be awarded second-class upper degrees, 410 with second-class lower degrees, 79 with third-class degrees, and 5 with pass degrees.
The VC said that a total of 1,341 students would be graduating during the convocation ceremony slated for Oct. 9.
He said that the best graduating student, Joel Durigbo, Department of Mechanical Engineering, achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0.
Akindele also said 338 students would be awarded higher degrees and diplomas at the postgraduate level on Oct.10.
According to him, 109 students will be awarded postgraduate diplomas, 65 with Master of Arts degrees, 120 with Master of Science degrees, 25 with Master of Business Administration degrees, and 19 with Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
“This year’s convocation is particularly special. We are not only graduating another distinguished class, ‘The Indomitable Set,’ but we are also celebrating 29 years of Redeemer’s University.
“Indeed, this is a season of double honour, and we return all glory to God,” he said.
Akindele listed people to be awarded honorary degrees during the convocation ceremony, including the wife of a former governor of Kwara, Omolewa Ahmed, and the president of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye.
He also said the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adeshina, would be awarded honorary degree.
“On academic achievements, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has selected the university as one of the eight private universities in the country for the training of TETFund-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees.
“This is a very remarkable feat, especially considering that there are 168 private universities in Nigeria at the moment,” the VC said.
Akindele also said the university had entered the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking and emerged number two in the country and number one in several Sustainable Development Goals, among others.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has declared Tuesday, October 7, a school-free day to celebrate and honour teachers across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka.
“In view of the fact that the 2025 World Teachers’ Day fell on a Sunday, Mr Governor has approved Tuesday as a school-free day to celebrate and honour teachers in the state.
“Furthermore, the Solution Parents League will have their mega endorsement march in appreciation of Soludo’s revolution in the education sector.
“The Association of Private School Owners will join the Solution Parents League for the endorsement march.
“Accordingly, all teachers, parents, and proprietors/proprietresses are expected to assemble at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, by 8:00 a.m. prompt, to give honour to whom honour is due.”
PUNCH Online reports that teachers across Nigeria on Sunday renewed calls for improved welfare, better working conditions, and the full implementation of the 65-year retirement age policy.
At various events held nationwide, teachers’ unions and education stakeholders decried the slow pace of policy implementation, poor remuneration, and inadequate teaching facilities, which they said continued to undermine the quality of education.
They urged federal and state governments to prioritise teachers’ welfare and ensure that promises made to the education sector are fulfilled.
Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, has said raising awareness among children and young people is key to reducing human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse in the state.
Speaking at the launch of a comprehensive awareness campaign organised by the Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Education, Okpebholo said the prevention of such social vices must begin with awareness.
A statement on Sunday by the foundation quoted the First Lady as saying that awareness must start in schools if the state is to curb the rising vulnerability of youths to social vices.
“Human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse are real threats to the future of the Edo child. Prevention begins with awareness, and that awareness must start in schools. We must arm our children with values and knowledge to make better choices,” she was quoted as saying.
The campaign, held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, brought together students, teachers, parents, corps members, and representatives of government agencies, including the Edo State Migration Agency, NAPTIP, NDLEA, the Nigeria Police, and the International Organisation for Migration.
Okpebholo said the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation and promoting moral education alongside academic learning.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, described the campaign as part of efforts to reinforce the values driving ongoing education reforms in the state.
“Education should focus not only on academic achievement but also on shaping responsible citizens,” he stated.
Founder of the foundation, Miss Ashley Mariam, said the campaign was designed to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
She called for stronger prevention and rehabilitation strategies for victims of human trafficking and related abuses. She also launched her book, Stolen Dream, which narrates the ordeal of a trafficking victim.
Edo State has been identified by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other agencies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as one of the major source states for human trafficking in Nigeria.
According to NAPTIP’s 2023 data, a significant percentage of trafficking victims rescued abroad originated from Edo and Delta states, with many lured through false job offers and irregular migration.
The UNODC 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report also identifies Edo among the three leading source states in the country.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers, Kwara State chapter, has called on the state government to urgently address outstanding welfare issues affecting public school teachers in the state.
Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held on Sunday at the union’s main conference hall, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, the State Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, warned that the future of education in the state would remain uncertain if teachers were not properly motivated and supported.
Agboola commended the state government for the regular payment of salaries, the financial backing of the 2023 and 2024 promotions of TESCOM teachers, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers across basic and senior secondary schools.
He, however, lamented that critical welfare matters remained unattended to.
According to him, “The 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for TRCN-certified teachers and 21 per cent for non-TRCN-certified teachers have not been implemented in Kwara.
“The government has also not keyed into the 65/40 years national harmonised retirement age for teachers, and rural allowances for those teaching in remote areas remain outstanding.”
The NUT chairman stressed that teachers could only give their best if equipped and respected.
“The children in our classrooms today are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “But for us to deliver optimally, we must be motivated and supported. Education is not a one-man show; it requires a system and a united teaching force.”
Agboola further urged teachers to embrace collaboration and mentorship to reposition the profession. “Let us recommit ourselves to unity within the teaching profession, foster mentorship between senior and junior teachers and create platforms for peer learning and innovation,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Dayo Ajala, called on governments to adequately fund public education and invest in teachers.
“Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,” Amba said. “Governments must increase budgetary allocation to education and create a conducive learning atmosphere to ensure quality outcomes.”
He saluted the resilience of teachers in Kwara, commending their sacrifices despite challenges.
“Comrades, I commend your courage, resilience and patriotism in discharging your duties. Be assured that your success is our priority. We will continue to demand that teachers are accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society,” he added.
Amba also stressed that teachers must be empowered beyond classroom instruction.
“The role of teachers has evolved beyond just delivering lessons. Teachers must be empowered to collaborate, innovate and influence education policies. The future of our nation is in their hands, and how we treat them today will determine our tomorrow,” he said.
Reacting, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by the UNESCO desk officer at the Odedeji Taye, said the government was already working to ensure teachers’ welfare was fully protected.
According to him, “The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq places education and teachers’ welfare at the centre of its policies. We have taken bold steps in regular salary payments, recruitment of thousands of teachers, and promotions across the sector.
“The government is studying the issues raised by NUT, including allowances and retirement age. I want to assure our teachers that these matters are not being ignored. Our goal is to build a motivated workforce that will deliver the quality education Kwara deserves.”
Olohungbebe added that the government would continue to engage with the union to find practical solutions that benefit both teachers and the education system.
The event, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers; Together for Tomorrow”, featured a lecture delivered by Professor Lanre Olukunmi Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin.
Public health experts have raised concerns over the increasing health risks posed by mould exposure in homes, warning that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or immune conditions are most at risk of serious complications.
The experts identified common sources of mould in homes to include leaking roofs, soaked walls, damp basements, poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens, as well as carpets, upholstery, and insulation materials that retain moisture.
They noted that mould often appears as coloured patches on wet surfaces, especially in areas where there is poor air circulation.
Speaking to PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians warned that ignoring mould exposure not only compromises indoor air quality but also has long-term consequences for respiratory health, especially in vulnerable populations already burdened by other health challenges.
The experts noted that it is essential for residents to become more aware of the risks associated with mould and take proactive steps to ensure safe and healthy living environments.
A public health expert at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, warned that mould, a type of fungus that thrives in humid, damp, and poorly ventilated environments, poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in water-damaged buildings and homes with poor construction.
According to him, mould releases spores into the air that, when inhaled, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, including sneezing, catarrh, wheezing, and asthmatic attacks.
“Mould is a fungal growth that appears on various surfaces, particularly in places with persistent humidity, warmth, and moisture. It releases spores into the air, which people inhale without realising the health implications.
“Children, the elderly, and people with low immunity or pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are most at risk. Their systems react more severely to airborne spores,” he warned.
Akande, who is also a former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, pointed out that mould exposure often goes unnoticed until people start showing recurring symptoms.
He said, “People may treat catarrh or persistent coughs without knowing that the trigger is inside their own homes.”
The professor described common breeding grounds for mould in homes as damp walls, water-damaged areas from leaking roofs, poorly ventilated rooms, and moisture-retaining corners such as kitchens, bathrooms, and household stores.
He added that mould appears as patches of different colours and textures, which may grow unnoticed on ceilings, walls, under sinks, and behind furniture.
“Mould thrives in environments with little or no ventilation. Any place in the house that is constantly damp and warm provides the perfect condition for mould to grow and spread.
“Many people don’t recognise mould for what it is. By the time they start cleaning it with ordinary water, they may be disturbing spores into the air and inhaling them directly,” Akande said.
On the long-term health consequences, the professor said that prolonged exposure can lead to frequent respiratory infections, worsening asthma attacks, and allergic flare-ups.
He stated, “Over time, exposure to mould doesn’t just cause minor irritation; it can complicate chronic respiratory diseases, especially in people with compromised immunity.”
Akande urged Nigerians to invest in preventive measures by controlling the humidity level in their homes.
He noted that the spores responsible for mould are lightweight and airborne, which makes them easily inhaled, especially in enclosed spaces.
“Humidity above 60 per cent is risky. Anything above 70 per cent creates a perfect storm for mould to grow rapidly, especially when organic materials are present.
“If the indoor humidity is maintained below 60 per cent and proper ventilation is ensured, the risk is significantly reduced,” he advised.
To combat mould growth, the don recommended fixing leaking plumbing, improving ventilation, and ensuring that wet areas are promptly dried.
He also encouraged homeowners to seek professional help if mould patches persist or begin to spread across large areas.
“You must take moisture seriously. A leaking pipe or roof may seem minor, but it can lead to major health risks.
“Clearing out mould, especially when it’s extensive, isn’t a DIY matter. Get professional advice or services to safely remove it,” he added.
Also speaking, a Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, described mould exposure as a serious but under-discussed public health issue in households.
He stressed that the health effects are not just respiratory.
He explained, “Mould exposure happens when people come into contact with mould spores either through the air, through touch, or by eating contaminated food. The danger lies in how easily these spores are inhaled.
“Yes, coughing and wheezing are common, but we also see symptoms like itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sinus infections. These reactions are particularly intense in children and the elderly.”
According to the physician, individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or bronchitis may experience frequent flare-ups when exposed to mould.
He explained that mould often grows in hidden corners of the house.
He added, “In immunocompromised individuals, mould exposure can lead to opportunistic infections, which can be life-threatening if not promptly managed.
“Bathrooms, basements, around leaking windows and pipes — these are hotspots for mould growth because of their high moisture content.”
He noted that materials like carpets, upholstery, and insulation that trap moisture are particularly dangerous if left unchecked.
“Once these items get wet and stay damp, they become breeding grounds for mould,” he said.
The public health expert also noted that mould-related symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as general allergies or infections.
“One way to differentiate is by observing if the symptoms improve when the individual leaves the mould-infested environment.
“Chronic asthma, persistent allergic rhinitis, and recurrent respiratory infections are possible if the mould problem is not addressed,” he said.
To prevent mould, Olorunfemi recommended practical measures such as improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers, and fixing leaks immediately.
He advised homeowners to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50 per cent.
“You don’t need high-end equipment. Something as simple as an exhaust fan in your bathroom can make a big difference.
“Once humidity goes above 60 per cent, the risk of mold grows exponentially,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to take mould seriously and act immediately when signs are noticed.
He stressed, “If you see dark patches on your wall or ceiling, don’t ignore them. Act fast,” he said.
“When the mould covers large areas or causes persistent health symptoms, bringing in professionals is not optional — it is necessary for your health.”
The West African Examinations Council has hailed the Ekiti State Government for the upgrade of ICT facilities in its public schools ahead of transitioning the West African Senior School Certificate Examination to a Computer-Based Test format in the state.
WAEC Branch Controller in Ekiti State, Amos Dogari, said the effort “will help in ensuring that both students and teachers are prepared for the new system” and assist in improving examination integrity and provision of a conducive environment for digital literacy.
A statement made available on Tuesday stated that Dogari, who spoke in Ado Ekiti during an advocacy visit to the state Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye, on the WAEC WASSCE CBT format, lauded the state government’s proactive efforts in preparing for the new system.
The WAEC branch controller, who said that the meeting was highly productive, noted that the deliberation was necessary to discuss the modalities for the planned migration to computer-based WASSCE towards achieving the desired goals.
He said, “Sensitisation programmes will be conducted across the three senatorial districts of the state to enlighten stakeholders – students, teachers and parents – on the new process to encourage informed actions, reduce possible conflict, and achieve an environment where individuals and groups feel personally invested in and accountable for achieving desired results.
“The WAEC WASSCE CBT format is a hybrid model where multiple-choice (objective) questions are answered on-screen, while essay and practical questions are displayed on-screen and answered in provided paper booklets.
“It is primarily aimed at modernising and streamlining the examination process, offering faster result processing, improved efficiency, enhanced security against malpractice, and better adaptability to technological advancements,” Dogari said.
The branch controller clarified that the state government was not indebted to WAEC in any form.
The commissioner, Aderiye, who assured that all public secondary schools in the state had been equipped with laptops, reiterated the state government’s commitment to technological advancement in its schools.
She said that the existing facilities could be utilised in transitioning to computer-based WASSCE in the state.
PUNCH Online recently reported WAEC’s reaffirmation of its plan to migrate the WASSCE to a fully computer-based format by 2026.
The Head of WAEC’s National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, who spoke during a sensitisation meeting with members of the National Assembly Committee on Education in Abuja, said the transition, which began with private candidates in 2024, has already made “significant progress” and would be scaled up nationwide ahead of next year’s deadline.
“We have conducted five exams already, one for private candidates and one for school candidates, and by 2026, deployment will be massive,” he said.
Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known online as “Mandy Kiss,” has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse.
In a viral video posted by a X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss, at an event organised by LASKADA.
He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.
He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.
“Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.
“The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.”
He said, “With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”
PUNCH Online reports the development comes after the social media influencer fixed September 30 to stage a marathon sex act with 100 men in a single day.
She said the event, aimed at registering her name in the Guinness World Records, will take place in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The GWR, however, has issued a statement clarifying that it does not monitor or endorse sexual activity as a record category and has therefore distanced itself from the proposed event.
While she later said the declaration was a joke, it caused public outrage, with some quarters urging Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to punish her.
Speaking at Mandy Kiss’ conferment, the Commissioner hope the influencer can help take the anti-drug message into Lagos communities.
“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but again, as a brand ambassador to Legal State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will be able to reach the nooks and crannies, you know, of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”
He did not give details on the scope of Mandy Kiss’s duties or any planned campaigns.
LASKADA is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating a multi-sectoral, evidence-based response to the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in Lagos State by leading sustained advocacy, public education, community engagement, policy influence, and research.
Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse
Agency report
Searchers raced Tuesday to rescue at least 38 people still believed trapped after the collapse of an Islamic school building in Indonesia that has already left three dead, authorities said.
The building gave way on Monday on Indonesia’s main island, Java, where students were gathered for afternoon prayers, said local reports, citing a witness.
Families desperate for news of their loved ones and rescuers were crowded around the multi-storey building in the town of Sidoarjo.
“The number of victims is 102 people, consisting of 99 survivors, 3 deaths,” National Search and Rescue Agency head Mohammad Syafii said.
He added that rescuers were working urgently to save the lives of survivors who are thought to still be trapped under the rubble.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari said rescuers were still searching for 38 people thought to be trapped under the rubble.
Atok Irawan, the head of a local hospital in Sidoarjo, told reporters that two people died of their injuries on Tuesday while they were treated in the hospital’s emergency room.
Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.
Earlier this month, at least three people were killed and dozens were injured after a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.
No fewer than 5,000 students of the University of Benin risk being barred from writing the second-semester examinations scheduled to commence on Monday, for failing to pay their school charges.
In a memo signed by the Registrar of the institution, Mr Ademola Bobola, the university announced the strict enforcement of its “no payment of school charges, no examination” policy, insisting that repeated reminders to defaulters had been ignored.
“The university management is in receipt of the list of students who have failed to pay their school charges despite repeated reminders.
“These students have also failed to subscribe to the students’ loans being provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND),” Bobola said.
The registrar said all efforts to encourage the affected students to either pay their fees or access the NELFUND facility had yielded no positive response.
“With the second-semester examination set to begin on Monday, Sept. 29, these students shall be barred from writing the examination if they fail to pay their school charges or subscribe to the students’ loan by NELFUND,” he said.
Bobola disclosed that the Senate had directed provosts, deans, directors, and heads of departments to publish the list of all defaulters by 8 a.m. on Monday.
According to him, this measure is to enable affected students to confirm their status and make last-minute payments before the examinations commence.
He added that an enforcement task force headed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) had been set up to monitor and ensure strict compliance with the directive.
“Management expects full cooperation and compliance by all stakeholders to maintain the university’s high standards,” he stated.
Similarly, on April 10 2025, PUNCH Online reported that the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, had begun and implemented a “no school fees, no exam” policy. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, disclosed this during a pre-first semester examination roadshow around the main campus in Port Harcourt.
Zeb-Obipi also warned students to resist the temptation of diverting the school fees given to them by their parents to gamble or related acts, thereby making things difficult for themselves and their sponsors.
Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, has announced plans to assist parents struggling to pay their children’s school fees as schools reopen for the new 2025/2026 academic session.
In a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Dakolo acknowledged the financial strain many families face at the start of every term.
“I know it’s school fee season, it’s not always easy, I know this first-hand.
“So, let me help lessen that burden a little bit,” he wrote.
The singer directed parents and guardians to send their children’s school bills via Instagram to #TheOyindaOlu, adding that receipts of payments made to schools would be sent back to confirm the support.
“Just DM the school bill to
@TheOyindaOlu
on IG.
“We would DM you the receipt of what we sent to the school,” the artist wrote.
Dakolo’s announcement has drawn wide attention online from fans, with many commending the move at a time when households are grappling with mounting costs.
PUNCH Online had reported that as schools usher in the 2025/2026 academic session, the familiar buzz of children in freshly ironed uniforms returning to class has been met with a different kind of noise, the groans of parents weighed down by skyrocketing school expenses.
For many families, the joy of watching their children return to class has been overshadowed by the crushing weight of rising fees.
From tuition and levies to uniforms and textbooks, the cost of education has never felt heavier, forcing households into painful financial choices.
Dakolo, who is known for family-themed songs and community-driven messages, has previously lent his voice to issues affecting education and welfare.
His latest intervention adds to a growing trend of celebrities offering direct financial relief to fans in times of need.
